Can tulle be used as garden netting?

Tulle is a lightweight, delicate netting fabric that is often used for bridal veils, tutus, and other decorative purposes. With its open weave and mesh structure, some gardeners wonder if tulle can also be used as protective netting over fruits, vegetables, and other plants in the garden. There are a few key factors to consider when evaluating tulle as a potential garden netting material.

What is Tulle?

Tulle is a thin, finely knit fabric typically made from nylon, silk, rayon, or polyester. The knit structure creates a lightweight netting with hexagonal shaped holes throughout. Tulle has some stretch and drape, though it is generally more structured than other lightweight sheer fabrics like chiffon or organza.

Tulle originated in Tulle, France in the 18th century. The name “tulle” comes from the French city where it was first created. Early tulle fabrics were silk and later cotton. But today, most tulle is made from nylon or rayon.

The most common modern use of tulle is in bridal veils, gowns, and decor. Tulle is also used for ballet tutus and other dance costumes. It can add a lightweight, airy accent to decorations and apparel when used in multiple layers. The open weave results in a transparent material that can provide a soft focus look.

Key Properties of Tulle

When considering using tulle as garden netting, there are a few important properties of this material to evaluate:

Lightweight – Tulle is extremely lightweight and delicate, which makes it easy to drape over plants without weighing down branches or leaves. Typical tulle weighs just a few grams per square yard.

Open knit structure – The hexagonal holes in tulle allow sunlight and air to penetrate easily while still providing a barrier over plants. This open weave results in a loose, sheer fabric.

Somewhat stretchy and flexible – Tulle has a bit of give and stretch that allows it to conform to different plant shapes when draped over. The flexibility also allows the fabric to move in wind without being too rigid.

Prone to runs/tearing – The open and fragile structure of tulle means it is easily torn if caught on branches or if wildlife get trapped in the netting. It must be handled very gently.

Minimal UV resistance – Tulle offers little UV protection since the open weave does not block sunlight. Unprotected tulle can become brittle and degrade quickly with sun exposure.

Minimal insect protection – While tulle can help keep out larger pests, the large holes still allow entry for aphids, thrips, and other tiny insects that can damage plants. An insect barrier it is not.

Very porous – Tulle is too porous to provide meaningful frost protection. Cold air and frost can still penetrate the fabric.

Low strength/durability – Lacking tensile strength, tulle is prone to ripping and shredding, especially when wet. It cannot withstand much weather or animal interference.

Considerations for Using Tulle Garden Netting

Based on its properties, tulle has some significant limitations as garden netting. But creative gardeners can work around these issues in certain scenarios. Some considerations for using tulle as garden netting:

Reinforce the material – Layering tulle or supporting it with stronger mesh or garden hoops can help compensate for its fragility. This protects against rips and tears.

Use for temporary protection – For very short term, delicate protection from critters or wind, tulle can work. But it will not hold up long term.

Drape carefully over sturdy plants – Tulle is best suited for gently draping over plants with stiff stems and leaves. Avoid large shrubs or trees where tulle could tangle.

Use indoors or in greenhouses – In a controlled indoor garden, tulle may last longer than outdoors since it’s protected from weather and animals.

Add UV protection – Spraying tulle with UV blocking spray can help protect it against sun damage and degradation.

Combine with other materials – Layering tulle between stronger patio netting, shade cloth, or garden fabrics boosts its durability.

Remove at any sign of wear – Check tulle often for tearing since runs can spread quickly. Remove and replace immediately if holes appear.

Ideal Uses for Tulle Garden Netting

Under the right conditions, tulle can be used creatively as a garden netting for certain applications:

Seed germination – Drape over seed trays to protect newly sprouted seedlings against animal disturbance, wind, or heavy rain. Remove once seedlings establish.

Temporary plant protection – Cover tender seedlings for a week or less when transplanting to guard against animals browsing new plants before they establish.

Decorative accent – Use over potted plants or as accent draping on garden archways or dividers for special events. Remove promptly after event.

Wind protection – Loosely cover seedlings, delicate flowers, or top heavy plants to shield against strong winds if supported by other structures.

Overwintering pots – Insulate pots by layering tulle between burlap or other fabrics to protect container plants left outdoors for winter.

Cut flower storage – Wrap freshly cut flowers with tulle to protect against insects while allowing airflow in temporary bud vases/storage.

DIY wedding/event decor – Incorporate tulle overlay on potted plants as pretty decor for outdoor wedding ceremonies or parties. Use for one day only.

Dry storage – Tulle bags are excellent for storing dried flowers, herbs, or potpourri as it allows airflow and keeps out pests. Hang or keep sealed in cool location.

Best Plants for Using Tulle Netting

Some plants are better candidates for tulle overlay based on their structure and growth habits:

Herbs – Tulle is excellent for temporary protection over seeded and young herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, and dill which need shelter while establishing.

Lettuces/greens – Young lettuce, kale, chard, spinach, and other leafy greens grow well under tulle as they establish before transplanting.

Flowers – Delicate flowers like orchids, African violets, and seeded annuals that require humidity and air circulation do well under tulle tents.

Vegetable transplants – Newly seeded vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and squash can be loosely draped with tulle to aid germination.

Container plants – Tulle makes a good light barrier over potted plants that need protection on patios or porches but still require air flow.

Roses – Skinny rose canes can be wrapped with tulle to discourage deer browsing without damaging the roses.

Vining crops – Use over vining crops like beans, peas, cucumbers, and melons once established to guard against pests.

Berry bushes – Tulle bags secured over ripening berry bushes help protect soft fruit from birds and insects.

Ornamentals – Delicate perennials and annuals benefit from a sheer tulle layer against harsh weather as they establish roots early in growing season.

Plants Not Suited to Tulle

Some plants are poorly matched for tulle overlay based on their growth form or support needs:

– Large shrubs or trees – Tulle will tear on woody branches or easily tangle.

– Vining produce – Vining crops that require trellising will grow through and weigh down tulle.

– Winged/semi-woody herbs – Sturdy herbs like rosemary and lavender have rigid stems that can snag on the weave.

– Established root crops and cole crops – Mature vegetable plants with large leaves or full roots will push through tulle.

– Drooping or sprawling flowers – Heavy blossoms that naturally hang down are prone to snagging and tearing delicate tulle.

– Plants needing strong frost protection – Cold hardy plants and those needing heavy insulating layers will outgrow tulle’s light barrier.

– Plants needing rigid pest barriers – Plants with voracious pests like cabbage moths and beetles need tighter netting to keep bugs out.

– Plants needing greenhouse-like humidity – Celery, melons, and other crops requiring very high humidity need more enclosed structures than tulle.

– Plants vulnerable to mold – Keep tulle away from moss roses, African violets or seedlings prone to damping off fungi.

Using Tulle Safely in the Garden

While tulle can serve niche garden purposes, it’s important to use caution to avoid unintended consequences:

– Avoid tiny tulle holes entrapping insects – Some small flying insects can become trapped and die in the tulle weave. Use tightly woven netting instead for bug control.

– Watch for excessive humidity building up – The lightweight barrier can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Allow airflow under the tulle.

– Prevent entanglement around plants – Tulle should drape loosely and not wrap tightly around stems or branches where it can strangle growth.

– Secure edges to prevent blowing into plants – Use weights or garden staples to keep tulle edges in place so wind doesn’t whip fabric around.

– Check for signs of wear frequently – Look for rips, holes, and tearing. Replace immediately if noticed to prevent further damage.

– Remove promptly when no longer needed – Allow plants to grow naturally without tulle once they are established to prevent dependency.

– Keep away from wildlife habitats – Tulle can trap and entangle small animals. Avoid using near nests, burrows, water features, or shelters.

– Dispose of tulle properly – Never litter used tulle fabric where animals could ingest it or get tangled in it. Cut into small pieces before throwing away.

Tulle Alternatives for Garden Netting

While tulle has selective uses, it cannot match the performance of purpose-made garden nettings for most applications. Some better options include:

Bird netting – Sturdy black polypropylene or nylon bird netting protects against larger birds and animals trying to reach fruits and vegetables. Looks similar to tulle but with smaller, tighter mesh and thicker material.

Garden fleece/floating row cover – Spun polyester fabric allows air and light penetration while insulating plants. Provides protection from wind, frost, and some insect pests.

Patio netting – Lightweight netting specialized for patio trees, shrubs, and container plants blocks smaller insects like aphids while protecting air flow.

Insect barrier netting – Extra fine mesh netting creates an impenetrable barrier against tiny flying insects and is essential for bug prone crops.

Burlap – A cheaper natural fabric alternative to tulle for covering seedlings, shrubs, and containers short term. Provides light frost protection and blocks some pests.

Agricultural fabric – Woven poly fabrics offer durability for protecting plants from harsh weather. Allows air circulation while blocking sunlight and pests.

Shade cloth – Sturdy woven shade fabrics filter sunlight and protect plants from inclement weather while allowing air flow.

Key Takeaways on Using Tulle as Garden Netting

– Tulle should only be used as temporary protection for delicate seedlings and transplants – not durable long term netting.

– Proper draping technique is important to prevent tangling tender growth. Tulle should float over plants loosely.

– Reinforce tulle with stronger materials if attempting longer term protection. Layering increases durability.

– Focus use on herbs, lettuces, flowers, and other plants with flexible stems – avoid large shrubs.

– Monitor for wear and replace immediately at any signs of deterioration or holes.

– Purpose made netting like burlap, shade cloth, bird netting, or agricultural fabric is stronger for most garden applications.

Conclusion

Tulle netting alone is too fragile for the demands of most garden settings. But creative gardeners can leverage it successfully for limited applications with proper care. With cautious use on appropriate plants, tulle can provide an inexpensive and attractive sheer barrier against pests and weather threats for short term protection of vulnerable growth. Just take care to monitor its condition closely and remove for any sign of wear. And for reliable, durable garden netting, turn to stronger purpose-built fabrics that can withstand the elements over an entire growing season.